Health technology assessment : HTA
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Health Technol Assess · Mar 2020
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialC-reactive protein point-of-care testing for safely reducing antibiotics for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the PACE RCT.
Most patients presenting with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) in primary care are prescribed antibiotics, but these may not be beneficial, and they can cause side effects and increase the risk of subsequent resistant infections. Point-of-care tests (POCTs) could safely reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and antimicrobial resistance. ⋯ Implementation studies that also build on our qualitative findings could help determine the effect of this intervention over the longer term.